Kell Brook set for step up in class

Bob Westerdale
Boxing

SHEFFIELD Arena will be packed again when Kell Brook faces highly ranked Carson Jones on July 7 as an IBF World title shot draws a step closer.

Jones is ranked at number three by the IBF – two spots above Brook – and the stakes couldn’t be higher as the victor would move into pole position to fight for the title in the fall, which is being contested by current number one Mike Jones and number two ranked Randall Bailey on June 9 in Las Vegas.

The Sheffield star thrilled a packed home crowd in the Arena in March when he dismantled Matthew Hatton in a master class that drew record viewing figures on Sky Sports for non-pay-per-view boxing.

The 25-year-old from Oklahoma has won his last eight fights inside the distance, and currently holds the USBA welterweight title, which he defended for the second time in April with a seventh round stoppage over Allen Conyers in his hometown, the 34th win and the 24th by KO.

“It’s a step-up in class again and one that I’m truly ready for,” said Brook. “Jones is experienced for his age and has been avoided, but I want a World title shot and in order to get it, I need to go through him. The Hatton night just blew my mind. It was the biggest crowd I’ve ever fought in front of and they were all there for me. That’s a very special feeling and I cannot wait to experience it again.”

Jones said: “Basically Kell Brook is the last person standing in my way to fight for a World title. He will have to kill me to beat me because I have worked too hard to let anyone stop me from reaching my dream.

“It does not matter if the fight is here, there or in Zimbabwe. I have made a living going to other people’s hometowns and knocking them out and this will be no exception. Kell Brook needs to be afraid, very afraid, because his fans are going to see him put to sleep on July 7.”

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Carson and one he personally asked for,” said Bobby Dobbs, Jones’ promoter. “Carson is often overlooked because of his earlier career mismanagement, but I always knew he was an exceptional talent and he has finally begun to hit his stride. He has won eight in a row all by stoppage with some very tough fighters in that cycle. We respect Brook and his team, but we are coming to win and move on to the next level.”